Libya Government Says Rival to Blame for Tripoli Hotel Attack

Libya’s internationally-recognized government said its Islamist rival’s hold on Tripoli made it possible for militants to attack a hotel, killing at least 14.

Four foreigners were among the dead in yesterday’s attack on the Malta-owned, five-star, Corinthia Hotel. The incident, the latest in a string of bombings and assassinations, highlighted the chaos gripping the north African country.

Libya, holder of Africa’s largest proven reserves of crude oil, is torn between two rival governments -- one based in the east and an Islamist government operating out of Tripoli. The fight between the two has been fueled by militias that have, since Muammar Qadhafi’s ouster in 2011, emerged as the key military and political forces in Libya.

The attack was a “clear message and conclusive evidence” that terrorism in Tripoli and other cities is “under the clear and blatant guidance” of authorities there, the internationally-recognized government, headed by Abdullah al- Thinni, said in a statement on its Facebook page. It accused Islamist authorities of serving as a “political incubator” for militant groups.

The attack came as the United Nations holds talks in Geneva aimed at ending violence between supporters of two administrations. It wasn’t immediately clear who ordered the assault or why. Al Nabaa Television said the assailants were targeting Omar al-Hassi, prime minister of the Islamist-backed, government, who often met officials in the hotel. The SITE Intelligence Group said that a group calling itself Islamic State in Tripoli Province claimed the attack.

Libya's internationally-recognized government said its Islamist rival's hold on Tripoli made it possible for militants to attack a hotel, killing at least 14.Four foreigners were among the dead in yesterday's attack on the Malta-owned, five-star, Corinthia Hotel. The...